Mary L. Taft

Mary L. Taft of Waukesha passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at her home at Avalon Square, at the age of 81. Born in Harlingen, Texas, on September 26, 1944, to Harvey and Kathleen Klomparens, Mary grew up in Grand Haven, Michigan. After meeting at Michigan State University and quickly falling in love, she married Thomas “Tom” Taft on June 18, 1966, and they shared a beautiful life together. After living in Missouri and Iowa they made their home in Waukesha and Pewaukee for 51 years.

Mary dedicated many years to educating young minds as an elementary teacher in the School District of Waukesha. After receiving a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and Reading from Marquette University, she used her skills to teach reading and other subjects to 1st grade students at Blair and Summit View schools. Mary’s personality made her an ideal teacher for young students as she was a kind and sweet individual. As a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church for 50 years, she actively participated in United Methodist Women, Chancel Choir, and the church Memorial Foundation Scholarship Committee. She was also Chairperson of the popular Christmas cookie walk sale for several years. Mary enjoyed nature and was particularly fond of Spring for the flowers and Fall for the colorful leaves. While she wouldn’t have called herself an athlete Mary and a close friend started running together in 1975 and Mary continued running including in short races until 2021. Over those years she finished first in her age group many times. She also enjoyed playing golf with Tom and friends. Mary also enjoyed music of all varieties. She and Tom had season subscriptions to the Milwaukee Symphony for many years. They varied their choices between the Symphonies Pop series and the more traditional classical offerings. She was also an ardent fan of a variety of popular singing artists. These included Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, Barbara Streisand, John Denver and the groups Abba, Chicago and, of course, the Beatles! Her enthusiasm for running, nature and music carried over to her children and grandchildren who have these same interests as a result of the many hours spent with her.

Her family was her greatest joy and she will be forever missed by them. Mary's memory will be cherished by her devoted and loving husband Tom, her children Sara (John) Caven and Jon (Lennie Ann Pickett) Taft, and her grandchildren Kalli (Aaron Miller) Nielsen, Casandra (Clayton) Allen, Karina Nielsen, Christina (Ryan Baybutt) Nielsen, Leonard Taft, Jade Taft, Jonathan (Ari) Taft, Nicole Caven, Kellie Johnson (Jason), and Dan Caven. She was also a beloved great-grandmother to Avery Miller, Kalea Nielsen-Schuster, and Macey, Mary, and Bradley Allen. Her brother, Jim Klomparens, along with nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends, also survive her. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Marcia Paull.

Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church of Waukesha on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service, with a reception to follow. Private burial will take place at Prairie Home Cemetery. The Family wishes to thank the staff of the Arbor at Avalon Square and Optage Hospice for providing care for Mary. Memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeast Wisconsin, any Alzheimer’s research organization or the First United Methodist of Waukesha’s Memorial Foundation in Mary’s name are appreciated.